Empowering Youth for Democratic Change: DDP/SJI Capacity Building Workshop

On 20 May 2025, the Democracy Development Program (DDP), in collaboration with the Social Justice Institute (SJI), hosted a Capacity Building Workshop at The Edward Hotel under the theme “Enhancing Government Accountability Through Citizens’ Advocacy and Social Activism.” Facilitated by Thobani Zikalala, the workshop brought together youth leaders and community representatives to strengthen their role in democratic governance and social change. This initiative is part of a broader project aimed at deepening democracy by empowering citizens—especially the youth—to actively participate in governance and development processes. While youth structures exist, many lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively engage in political and developmental spaces. The workshop addressed this gap by equipping participants with leadership, governance, and community development skills aligned with participatory democracy and developmental local government.

Key objectives included enhancing participants’ understanding of local government systems and legislation such as the Municipal Systems Act, IDP processes, and the National Development Plan 2030; building leadership and communication skills for effective advocacy; and capacitating youth in community engagement and project management. Through interactive sessions and scenario-based learning, participants were encouraged to reflect on their roles as change agents and strategize on applying their new skills within their communities. The workshop was not just a training session but a call to action, reinforcing the belief that a vibrant democracy depends on active, informed, and empowered citizens ready to lead and hold elected officials accountable.